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- Tasks: Design and optimise DNA assembly workflows and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Company: AmpliSynth, a pioneering synthetic biology startup in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 25 days leave, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team to democratise DNA synthesis and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and expertise in DNA assembly methods.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic startup with clear pathways for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
AmpliSynth is a London-based synthetic biology company on a mission to democratise access to DNA synthesis. We are developing a benchtop platform that enables on-site, on-demand gene synthesis for research and biotech organisations.
AmpliSynth is currently recruiting an experienced and self-sufficient scientist to join their team. As part of our continued investment in our DNA synthesis platform, this role is key to take our platform from proof-of-concept to a validated instrument. This position is suited to someone who thrives on solving complex molecular biology challenges, and is confident working across disciplines in a fast-moving startup environment. As an early hire, you will have direct scientific ownership and clear pathways for progression based on capability and impact.
Key responsibilities
- Design and optimise enzymatic DNA assembly workflows for the construction of long dsDNA, from oligonucleotide building blocks to multi-kilobase constructs.
- Develop assembly strategies for iterative build-up of complex genetic constructs.
- Build synthetic gene cassettes, and DNA constructs for functional testing.
- Develop strategies for sequence verification / fidelity, error correction, and QC across assembled constructs.
- Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to integrate biological workflows into automated systems.
- Maintain lab notebooks, SOPs, and COSHH risk assessments.
What we need from you
- PhD in Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline.
- Expertise in DNA assembly methods and multi-fragment construct engineering in vitro and / or in cells.
- Strong understanding of nucleic acid biochemistry, sequence design principles and enzymology.
- Python or other scripting language for data analysis; comfort with command-line bioinformatics tools.
- Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong DoE skills with a rigorous, systematic approach to troubleshooting.
Nice to have
- Experience with synthetic genome construction, and combinatorial library design.
- Familiarity with nucleic acid thermodynamics and secondary-structure prediction tools (e.g. NUPACK, ViennaRNA or similar).
- Experience with fluorescence and FRET-based assays.
- Experience with instrument development and automation.
- Familiarity with how scientific results integrate with commercial value.
What we offer
- Join AmpliSynth and become part of a small, focused team building a platform technology with the potential to democratise DNA synthesis.
- We value scientific rigour, intellectual curiosity, and the agility and ownership that comes with being an early member of an ambitious startup.
- Competitive salary, reviewed annually.
- Share options (EMI scheme) — meaningful equity participation for early employees.
- 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
- Pension contributions in line with UK auto-enrolment.
- A collaborative environment where your ideas directly shape the product.
AmpliSynth Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. To apply, send your CV and a brief cover letter (max one page) to: admin@amplisynth.com. Within the cover letter we would like you to answer the following question: If you could synthesise any DNA sequence tomorrow without cost, length, and turnaround restriction, what would you build, and why?
Senior Scientist employer: Amplisynth Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Amplisynth Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the synthetic biology field, attend relevant meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your past projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to DNA synthesis and molecular biology. Show them you’re not just a scientist, but a problem-solver who can thrive in a fast-paced startup environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Share your insights on synthetic biology, post about your projects, or even write articles. This not only showcases your expertise but also makes you more visible to potential employers. We love seeing candidates who are passionate and engaged in their field!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are genuinely interested in joining AmpliSynth and contributing to our mission of democratizing DNA synthesis.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer the question about the DNA sequence you’d synthesise clearly and creatively. Show us your passion for synthetic biology and how your ideas align with our mission at AmpliSynth.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience in synthetic biology, especially any work with DNA assembly methods. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for, so make it personal!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key for us, ensure your application reflects your written communication skills. Use concise language and structure your documents well. This will give us a taste of how you’ll communicate in the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amplisynth Ltd.
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of DNA assembly methods and multi-fragment construct engineering. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the past and how they relate to the role at AmpliSynth. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex molecular biology challenges you've tackled before. Think about how you approached these problems systematically and what outcomes you achieved. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-moving startup environment and your readiness to take ownership of scientific projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining your past projects and findings in a clear and concise manner. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation or summary of a relevant project to showcase your ability to convey complex information effectively.
✨Align with Their Mission
Understand AmpliSynth's mission to democratise access to DNA synthesis and think about how your background and values align with this goal. Be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about this field and how you can contribute to their vision, especially in terms of integrating biological workflows into automated systems.